Just us at Gracepoint Church Sunday mornings at 11:00am (coffee at 10:45am) for our adult Bible study series: "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society." Order the book here!

As a society, we are obsessed with the immediate. Christianity, however, is a marathon of joyful obedience in response to all that God is for us in Christ. In our adult Bible study series, we are exploring the Songs of Ascents that were sung by pilgrims on their way up to worship in Jerusalem. In these songs (Psalms 120-134) we find encouragement for modern pilgrims as we learn to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community and blessing.

Every day I put my hope on the line. I don’t know one thing about the future. I don’t know what the next hour will hold. There may be sickness, accident, personal or world catastrophe. Before this day is over I may have to deal with death, pain, loss, rejection. I don’t know what the future holds for me, for those I love, for my nation, for this world. Still, despite my ignorance and surrounded by tinny optimists and cowardly pessimists, I say that God will accomplish his will, and I cheerfully persist in living in the hope that nothing will separate me from Christ’s love.

LO-DEPTH BIBLE STUDIES? IF YOU AREN'T GETTING IN-DEPTH THEN YOU AREN'T GETTING THE WHOLE STORY!

We live in a instant society with millions of momentary pleasures accessible through a few touches on our smartphones, tablets, and computers. Christianity, however, is a marathon of joyful obedience in response to all that God is for us in Christ. As a society, we are obsessed with the immediate. Join us Sunday mornings at 11:00am as we explore "an old dog-eared songbook," tucked away in the Hebrew Psalter. This adult Bible study series will explore the Songs of Ascents that were sung by pilgrims on their way up to worship in Jerusalem. In these songs (Psalms 120-134) we find encouragement for modern pilgrims as we learn to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community and blessing.

The most basic question everyone faces in life is "Why am I here?" "What is my purpose?" Self-help books suggest that people should look within, at their own desires and dreams, but the true starting place must be with God and his eternal purposes for each life. Real meaning and significance in life comes from understanding and fulfilling God's purposes for putting us on earth.

In this six-session series we will explore God's incredible plan for our lives. Using biblical stories and letting the Bible speak for itself, we will be considering God's five purposes for each of us. Journey with us as we seek to better understand the big picture of what life is all about and start living the life God created us to live!

Join us at any of the following locations (all gatherings are Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm):

Palermo - Pierson Home2455 Maple Ave.Oroville CA 95966

Thermalito - Marchbanks Home656 Tehama Ave.Oroville CA 95965

Chico - Cassady Home629 W 2nd AveApt. 8Chico CA 95926

For more information or a free ride call us at 530-534-1018 or email here.

Our hearts are broken, and we grieve with all those affected by recent attacks at home and abroad. Damascus, Mosul, Paris, Bamako and now San Bernardino are only the latest in a long list of cities experiencing violence committed in the name of faith.

We mourn the tragic loss of human life in San Bernardino. The images and stories of human pain and sorrow, loss and suffering are heart wrenching. Unfortunately, there are those who have seized upon this horrific event as an opportunity to stoke fear and suspicion in our communities. The way in which some here in the United States have singled out Islam as a cause and source of hate is a cause of sorrow and concern for us. This inflammatory rhetoric, by those who seem intent on inciting fear and creating division in our communities for political gain, is dishonorable and should be repudiated by all people of conscience.

We are Christians, and as Christians, we wish to make it clear that we not only see the hatred and bigotry — masquerading as concern for security and safety — directed at the Muslim community, but we are also willing to name this injustice for what it is: an offense against both God and our neighbor. Our scriptures are clear. Anyone who claims to love God and yet hates their sister or brother is a liar and does not know God (see 1 John 4:8-21). There is no room in the heart of a genuine Christian for bigotry or prejudice against any group of people.

In light of the ongoing scapegoating of Muslims following the appalling tragedy in San Bernardino, we feel more strongly than ever that we cannot be silent regarding our opposition to the hateful rhetoric and fear-mongering directed towards you, our Muslim neighbors. Denouncing hatred, however, is not enough; we also wish to be vocal in expressing our respect, appreciation and deep love for you.

We likewise reject attempts to ignore or dismiss the plight of Middle Eastern refugees under the false pretense of national security. Our scriptures teaches us to welcome the stranger, the oppressed and the refugee — to love and care for the least of these as we would love ourselves (see Leviticus 19:34, Deuteronomy 10:16-19, Matthew 25:31-46). In fact, it is a scriptural imperative for us that we not only treat refugees and strangers fairly, but that we stand up for them when others mistreat them (see Psalms 82:4, Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 19:33, Zechariah 7:9-10 and Deuteronomy 23:15-16). These scriptural imperatives form the core of our identity as disciples of Jesus, and we refuse to compromise that identity for the supposed sake of personal well-being or gain.

As followers of Jesus, our call to pursue peace, mercy, justice, and forgiveness with and for all people is not contingent upon our own security or convenience. We will not allow the good news of the gospel to be enslaved to fear or hatred. As such, we call upon you, our fellow Christians who may be reading this letter, to stand firm in loving and valuing our Muslim neighbors, as well as all those seeking refuge from violence, persecution and conflict. Do not be deceived, faith without works is dead and Christians are still called to be doers, not just hearers of the word (see James 1:22-23).

And to you, our beloved Muslim neighbors, who have experienced or who continue to experience prejudice, bigotry or hatred coming from those professing to be Christians, we ask your forgiveness. As Christians, we love you, we stand with you, and we pray peace and blessings upon you. Thank you for your continued contribution to making our communities safer and stronger. Please do not hesitate to call upon us if we can be of help and know that you are not alone.